How to Control Oily Skin

Overactive sebaceous glands are typically at fault when skin becomes too oily. This leads to a shiny, greasy look, clogged pores, acne flareups and self-esteem issues. Sometimes, the oil can be hard to fight, and many with this problem feel that they're constantly either mopping it up or trying to strip it off. Fortunately, there are ways to tame the oil beast (at least for the most part) and feel much more comfortable.

Instructions

1. Make a wise choice of skin cleansers. Though you may be tempted to reach for the harshest, most alcohol-laden product around, don't. If you strip your skin of its oil, it may actually produce more, so opt for a mild cleanser instead.

2. Skip the creamy cleansers and go for the gel. No matter how much you rinse, cream-based cleansers often leave behind a bit of a residue, which is bad for skin that is already oily.

3. Wash your face in the morning and at night, but don't do it more than twice per day. While it may seem logical to wash more often to control oil, doing so will typically dry your skin out too much and lead to the production of even more of that dreaded oil.

4. Buy blotting paper that is created for controlling oily skin. This paper can remove the oil and reduce shine, even if you're wearing makeup. However, it won't stop or even slow down your skin's oil production.

5. Use only oil-free makeup. Fortunately, you should find a wide variety of options at most makeup counters. You definitely want to stay away from any products that have moisturizers in them.

6. Add translucent powder to your makeup arsenal as well as a couple of powder puffs. You can use these to curb greasiness and keep your foundation looking fresh.

7. Use a clay-based facial mask product a couple of times per week. These masks can be good for cleansing the pores.

8. Use astringents in moderation, and be especially careful with those that contain alcohol or acetone. They may lead to redness and irritation if you go overboard. You might even achieve better results if you skip them altogether.

9. Try products with salicylic or glycolic acid in them, as both of these are known for helping to control oil on the skin. Keep in mind, however, that they won't cure your oil-production problem. Instead, they'll help to make it more manageable.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't control your oily skin with the help of over-the-counter products or your oily skin gets worse, see a dermatologist. You might have a skin condition that would benefit from prescription medications.

• Don't skip the sunscreen. No matter what your skin type, you still need to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Instead, opt for an oil-free sunscreen, preferably a gel formula.